Asthma Flare Up and Hoarse/Sore Throat (Post Covid)

[TooManyFish]

Hi everyone, I've just joined the forum.

I was diagnosed with Asthma when I was a Child. I had to use inhalers throughout school but seemed to grow out of it in my late teens. I didn't need to use an inhaler in 15+ years.

Around 18 months ago I caught Covid twice, my chest wasn't too bad while i was ill, but then I got ill a 3rd time (tested negative) and then my chest started to get heavy and I was short of breath more often after I recovered.

I booked in with my GP and Asthma Nurse and they decided to put me back on some Inhalers.

The inhalers are helping.

I never had problems with inhalers in the past, but I am having issues with a hoarse throat and loosing my voice throughout the day. It's making my job very difficult.

In the last 18 months I have been on 5-6 different inhalers (with a spacer), but all of them seem to create the same problems. The latest one (Barbecue) keeps causing thrush too. I have done all the gargling with antibacterial mouth wash, it doesn't help.

My GP, says he doesn't know what else to prescribe, and can't do much else until I get an ENT (currently an 8 months wait where I live).

I've been prescribed Acid reflux medication also, but it doesn't make any difference.

I've heard that using a Nebuliser can help, but my GP doesn't seem to think that will help me.

I'm really stuck at the moment, so if anyone has any advice/experience I would be very grateful!

Thank you.

[Thunderdome]

Hi TooManyFish,

I have exactly the same problem. I have been really upset the last few months because my voice sounds like I’m 90!years old who smokes 50 cigarettes a day. (I’m 47yr old non smoker) I have covid at the moment and my voice has been sooo croaky over the last week. The doctor diagnosed viral laryngitis but I tested positive a few days later so I think it was the covid, I have had covid twice before.

I also take omeprazole once a day (although I can ge quite forgetful) and gaviscon advanced at night for acid reflux. Since having a bad virus in Feb 2020 I have had post nasal drip which causes excess mucus in my throat and coughing. I take symbicort two puffs twice a day and montelukast at night ;’(a non steroid tablet for asthma) and when needed spiriva inhaler.

I am worried my stomach acid has permanently affected my voice but I’m hoping not. I’m trying not to have certain foods which I read can cause stomach acid. Also drinking hot lemon and honey and doing steam inhalations for my throat. I’m not sure what’s going to work but I will post if/when I find something is working.

maybe we’ll get some more replies with suggestions on this thread.

Hope this helps that you’re not alone.

Wishing you all the best

[Headoverheels in reply to Thunderdome]

Hi Thunderdome & TwoManyFish...I have exactly the same complaint and I haven't had covid. I think it comes with the course. I am forever trying to clear my throat. After leaving hospital (and full of steroids ) all my friends said I sound much stronger when I rang them..and sadly this doesn't happen very often now. It can be embarrassing..I really don't know the answer. It's good to hear others have the same problem. I do find sucking toffees can help.

[Gareth57]

I think the hoarse voice may be a post covid thing, (for me anyway) I never noticed it before but I now have days when I feel and sound like I'm loosing my voice but never do. I also haven't worked out if it's better on days when I drink lots of fluids compared with days when I drink less but feel there could be a connection? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[Blue-Breeze]

Hi. I had covid January and March. Since then my voice has changed to a croaky/hoarse one. I'm often loosing my voice for no reason too 😞 . My GP sent me for a chest xray last week due to poor air entry again right side this time. She did suggest It could be long covid as severe fatigue and bouts of breathlessness. Although breathlessness is relieved with inhalers.

[Foxy79]

hi Sorry to hear about your asthma everything I'm going say is from my experience regarding shortness of breath each person got each illness I have serve copd broncechtisis emphysema respiratory type 2 asthma odimia I'm on oxygen nebulizer and bibep machine know when I was younger I was told I had asthma never took much notice of it still know I do use nublizer or sulbutmol to help breath it opens air waves know every time we take inhalers they have powders comeing out which effects our throats my advice will be after your inhalers have water and see I'm sure in few weeks it will get use too as normal I hope you best of luck with your life

[lovethemountains]

for me, hoarseness and losing my voice completely was a side effect of a recent nebulizer med my doctor prescribed: iprat albut. it went along with coughing, ear congestion, and headaches.

oh, dreaded side effects - the med wiped out my asthma for the time i used it, but the side effects lingered and faded out slowly.

[Hidden]

Yes at times my inhalers do, not I'm not sure what you are on.. maybe it's steroid inhaler that's causing it, maybe your dose is to high? Or they can try another inhaler?